Kerem HaTeimanim (Yemenite Quarter), Tel Aviv

The Yemenite Quarter in Tel Aviv gets its name from the Jewish Yemenite immigrants who settled here in the early 1900s. Locals call this area alongside the Carmel Market, the “Kerem” or “Kerem HaTemanim”, which literally means the “Vineyards” because in the 1800s the area was covered in vineyards. Over the years the Kerem has changed in many ways.

Today it is home to Jews of all ethnicities, not just Yemenites. But it has retained a unique, village-within-a-city feel with narrow streets lined by small houses draped in vines and bougainvillea. The Kerem has retained its intimate neighborhood feel, and the streets are filled with chatter, music, and spicy aromas. It is a quiet oasis in the busy city covering the cobbled back streets hidden behind noisy Carmel Market. Visit the Yemenite Quarter to soak up the atmosphere and linger at one of the many bars or eateries that spill out onto the streets.

History of the Yemenite Quarter

Jewish immigrants from Yemen settled here in 1904 when Palestine was ruled by the Ottomans. The land they settled was owned by Yosef Moyal, Haim Amzaleg, and Aharon Chelouche, a Jewish Algerian landowner. The Yemenite neighborhood was poor, and rundown with single-story homes built of cheap materials. More recently Keren HaTeimanim has been cleaned up but thankfully it has retained its original charm.

The land in the heart of Tel Aviv now sells for high prices and is a sought-after location. Some of the savvy homeowners rent out their property as B&Bs with views over the vibrant Yemenite Quarter streets. The neighborhood’s Yemenite culture has not been forgotten and it is still associated with the food, music, and cultural figures of Yemenite Jewry.

Eating Out in the Yemenite Quarter

You’ll find cuisine from across the globe sold in the Yemenite Quarter but while here try some of the traditional Yemenite dishes. Start with mouthwatering Yemenite pita bread, or the sourdough flatbread, Lachuch. Try Hilbe, made with fenugreek seeds, and dig into a bowl of uniquely spiced Yemenite soup.

You’ll find some of Tel Aviv’s best hummus sold in the no-frills eateries of the Yemenite Quarter. For a hipster atmosphere, there are cafes with rich coffee aromas that wash over passersby. In other eateries, you’ll find large pots of rich stew and comfort food served by loving mammas. For something different try Ethiopian cuisine or an Iraqi sandwich. The neighborhood bars are as varied as the eateries.

Don’t Miss Tel Aviv’s Colorful Yemenite Quarter

Experience the charm of the Yemenite Quarter just a few steps away from Carmel Market. Don’t miss a chance to relax and watch the many colorful local characters go by. Life moves at a slower pace in the Yemenite Quarter, and it is the perfect haven after a morning of sightseeing and shopping in the Big Orange, Tel Aviv.

If you would like to visit Yemenite Quarter, consider booking a Private Tel Aviv Tour.